Central Michigan Chippewas 2022 College Football Preview
June 30, 2022
2021 Recap
Record – 9-4
ATS – 8-5
FIRE UP CHIPS, yo.
Central Michigan got off to a bit of a slow start (2-3), thanks in large part to a pair of SEC road games (Missouri, LSU), but they hit their stride around midseason. How does a 6-1 finish to the regular season sound with their only loss coming to eventual MAC champ Northern Illinois by one point? They kept rolling in the postseason and upset PAC 12 foe Washington St in the Sun Bowl (W 24-21) to cap off a 9-win season.
Central Michigan 2022 Outlook
OFFENSE
The Chippewas have been solid on offense ever since Jim McElwain took over the HC duties in 2019. Last year they featured one of the best QBs in the conference in Daniel Richardson (60%, 24-6 TD to INT) who did admirable work after taking over from Jacob Sirmon. Richardson should put up fine numbers in a full season of work and he’ll work alongside star RB Lew Nichols who led the FBS (!) in rushing by a comfortable margin (1,848, 5.4, 16 TD) whilst grabbing 40 receptions in his spare time. The bad news is the departure of two of their top-three WRs including the impossibly-deadly Kalil Pimpleton (960, 4 TD LY) and a PAIR (!) of NFL offensive lineman. The INTREPID Phil Steele notes that all five OL starters from the bowl win vs the Cougars are back in 2022 so all may not be lost. They’ve averaged 32.3, 31.3, 30.4 PPG L3Y and we think they have a good shot of doing a bit better in 2022.
DEFENSE
In 2021, Central Michigan allowed their fewest PPG (25.8, #3 MAC) since 2015 and were exceptional vs the run (119 YPG, #18 FBS, #1 MAC). They also achieved impressive PENETRATION and got after opposing QBs in a big way (43 sacks, T9 FBS). The losses are severe heading into 2022 as they’ll be without their top-five (!) tacklers from a season ago and a DE tandem (Hairston, Siddiq) that combined for 13.5 sacks and 11 QBH LY. They’re big and talented at DT but it remains to be seen what kind of pass rush the new starting ends can generate. There’s a total reload at LB and their secondary was shredded on the regular in 2021 (#9 MAC pass efficiency D, 22-5 TD to INT).
SPECIAL TEAMS
We’d normally be concerned when a team loses a talent like Kalil Pimpleton at PR (19.1, 2 TD LY) but KR Marion Lukes booked a TD LY and they bring back their starting punter and PK. Marshall Meeder connected on a medicore 17-26 FGs but brought the HEAT from 50+ (3-4).
Schedule Analysis
Overall – The Chips have a pair of BODY BAG games (at Oklahoma St, at Penn St) in non-conference play but also have a couple of FREE SQUARES. They get a great draw from the East (no Miami Ohio, no Kent St) but have to play Toledo and Northern Illinois away from Mount Pleasant.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – Nothing too spooky is noted.
Season Win Total
per BetOnline June 30
Over 7.5 -125
Under 7.5 -105
MEGALOCKS says:
No leanage.
That number looks about right. They’re a talented bunch but have four nasty road games.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
HC Jim McElwain boasts a fantastic 22-11 mark vs Vegas with the Chippewas. Over the long-haul with three different programs he stands at a phenomenal 63-46 ATS (58%).
MEGALOCKS Outlook:
These guys are a major player in a competitive MAC West. The offense is loaded but we worry about the defense, and taking on Toledo and Northern Illinois on the road isn’t ideal. They’re a longshot threat for all the MAC marbles but we’ll call for 7-8 wins and another bowl appearance.
Fire up Chips!
Want more Central Michigan football ?
WEBSITE
https://cmuchippewas.com/sports/football
FORUM
https://247sports.com/college/central-michigan/Board/KellyShorts-Stadium-104028/
NEWS
https://www.themorningsun.com/sports/college-sports/
http://www.espn.com/college-football/team/_/id/2117/central-michigan-chippewas